Moving from Auckland to Billings (2026)

Billings has a COL index of 89 vs 90 for Auckland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 1% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$1,169/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
90 โ†’ 89
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700 โ†’ $1,200
per month
State tax
17.5% โ†’ 6.8%
income tax
COL difference
90 โ†’ 89
1% cheaper

Salary needed in Billings to match your Auckland lifestyle

Based on the 1% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in AucklandEquivalent in Billings
$40K$39,556
$50K$49,444
$60K$59,333
$75K$74,167
$80K$79,111
$100K$98,889
$120K$118,667
$150K$148,333

Adjust your salary

Save ~$578/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Auckland vs Billings

ExpenseAucklandBillings
Monthly take-home$3,647$4,316
1BR rent$1,700$1,200
Groceries$380$369
Transport$150$42
Utilities$120$148
Internet$55$68
Left after essentials$1,242$2,489

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $578 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$705,143

over 30 years compared to staying in Auckland โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$578/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Billings cheaper than Auckland?

Yes. Billings has a cost of living index of 89 vs 90 for Auckland (100 = US average). That's about 1% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Auckland to Billings?

On a $75K salary, moving from Auckland to Billings saves roughly $1,169/month on core expenses. That's ~$14,028/year.

What salary do I need in Billings to match my Auckland lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Auckland, you'd need roughly $74,167/year in Billings. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only